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>>39807179

You haven't the foggiest idea of where Shoko-san is. Er Yin-sensei and Inau-san are only just now reacting to your movement, while Yuuhi-chan's eyes are wide open and she's yanking her nodachi out of ~Nowhere~. The pretty nogitsune's not even conscious yet and she's ready for a fight, just like Akari-niji-chan would be. Of course, there are a couple of other problems here that you need to take into account.

One is that there are a number of people between your principle and her would-be-shooter that could possible get in the way or get hurt if some care isn't taken. Another is that if you don't act quickly enough, they could lose themselves in the crowd; a perfect memory is useless if you can't find the person you've memorized. The most salient issue is that if he IS a Yak, then you're stepping on Chisato's toes if you allow him to be summarily executed or accidentally kill the idiot. While Chi-chan wouldn't be bothered, it's not good form.

Finally, there's how they managed to sneak an air rifle onto the beach without anyone noticing. Unlike a normal gun, there isn't an explosive element to the ammunition, so one could easily be put ~Nowhere~ and used. Could one of the trio be a spirit-child? Or do they have spirit-child help?

Time is running out, even as fast as you think.

[] Throw it back at the shooter.
[] Throw it at one of his companions.
[] Set Akari and/or Yui on them.
[] Chase them down yourself.
[] Get some help from the Yaks and Nogi-clan around you.

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Previous Thread: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/39767579/

Interlude: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/37879167/

Search for Title: Ryukuza on Suptg
Barrier Combat Guide: http://pastebin.com/rZLwzvGx
Twitter: @XsQuestmistress

Hebiki Akari's Tale: http://pastebin.com/3JjNVKbY

Kurao Yui's Tale: http://pastebin.com/qYJa4PwH

Kumatori Kiki's Tale: http://pastebin.com/pdjfAEEU

Akari's Lesson (R-18): http://pastebin.com/bnGavrhP

Kiki's Gift (R-18): http://pastebin.com/sLP3NcbC

Aniki, Senpai, and Me (R-18): http://pastebin.com/U1AxYhxK

A Few Sentences from Stage 64: http://vocaroo.com/i/s1AqiYYp1QXw

Kiku, the shortest, is 5' 1" for ever and ever. Lesbian submissive.
Akari is 5' 3", and has another few inches to grow. Sexuality is weird, switch, cosplayer.
Yui is 5' 4" and will only grow due to circumstances beyond her control (though she will be able to change her size, being Void oni). Dyke, switch.
Kiki is 5' 6", and is at full growth. Bisexual bottom.
Ryukusa is tall at 5' 8", but this becomes 6' in her true form. She is fully grown. Lesbian top.
Er Yin is the tallest at 5' 10" and is fully grown. Lesbian dominant.
Jinyuu is 5' 7" but persistently hovers an extra three inches above the ground or floor because of her nature as a seer. Straight.
Hinata-hakase is 6' 3". Sexuality is terrifying.
Hidesato is 5' 5". Straight.
Kushinada is 5' 8". Straighter.
Taisho Ryoga is 5' 9". Who knows.
Hyun Chisato is 5' 4”, and is fully grown. Lolicon with plausible deniability.
Rie is 8” tall or 5' 5”, and is fully cat. Her sexuality is cat.
Hagyu Genso is 12' 5” standing upright. He is by and large gay.
Mizumi Shoko is 7' 2”, is fully grown. Bisexual top.
Yuuhi is 4'11” and is fully grown. Yuuhi a cute.
Tokei Isusangi, Inau-san is 5' 3” and confused.
Reiha is 5' 5 1/2”, and is milfy.
Peta is 3' 2”. Peta is \>.</ aka Her Most Imperial Highness Patanjali Piri Yokuhime Kuronogitsune Pa

>>39807193
>[] Set Akari and/or Yui on them.

Wooo, Ryukuza time!

>>39807193
>[] Set Akari and/or Yui on them.
I'm tempted to throw it back at him or his friends

>>39807193
>[] Set Akari and/or Yui on them.

>>39807193
>[] Set Akari and/or Yui on them.

>>39807193
[x] Chase them down yourself.
[x] Get some help from the Yaks and Nogi-clan around you.

>>39807193
>[] Set Akari and/or Yui on them.
>[] Chase them down yourself.
>[] Get some help from the Yaks and Nogi-clan around you.

>Create a Barrier from were we are, stopping right in front of them, then let it drop to make it as if we moved at incredible speed

Time is faster in the Barrier, so we can use it to cross the distance in an instant

>>39807211
>[] Set Akari and/or Yui on them.
They know their stuff, and we can play defense and keep an eye on things from here.

>>39807356
Somehow I think throwing a bunch of mundane humans into a barrier with us is a bad idea.

>>39807378
>Somehow I think throwing a bunch of mundane humans into a barrier with us is a bad idea.

We can make it go above the humans' heads

>>39807397
Like a complicated joke?

>>39807420

Yes, except instead of the point it's a dragon whose wife was threatened an instant ago.

I suppose some beings will find that funny.

>>39807420
Now I'm thinking of a joke with a setup with "so and so dragonettes walk into a bar" that mortals would be unable to get.

>>39807193
>[] Set Akari and/or Yui on them.
>[] Get some help from the Yaks and Nogi-clan around you.

>>39807465
>>39807493
Ryukusa's future is on the comedy stage, clearly.
Stand-up Dragonette Quest when?

>>39807211
I already voted Akari/Yui, but now I'm thinking we should get the yaks and nogi in on it too.

>>39807378
>>39807356
>Ordinary human can't be in Barriers - they simply remain outside. Every spirit-child in the area is another matter, you have to exclude them on purpose. If your targets are human, you can't catch them in a Barrier.

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[X] Get some help from the Yaks and Nogi-clan around you.
[X] Set Akari and/or Yui on them.

As much as you'd like to get into this yourself, you have a much more important duty. It's as simple as kicking your wife's feet out from under her and catching her with your tail and your free arm. You concentrate on the Void, giving an image of the man you saw, and his two companions – and young woman in a flattering floral one piece and a shorter kid, maybe fourteen or so, whose hair is bleached sandy blonde. This you direct at Yui – Akari is submerged in her own element, you won't be able to contact her like this – along with the impression of an attempt to capture Kiki-hime.

Kiki-chan's shocked cry as you sweep her off her feet – literally – and bring her to the ground is quickly silenced by you mouth over hers, kissing her. Perhaps you can turn this to your advantage yet. Breaking the kiss you whisper urgently, “Play dead, you've been shot with a tranquilizer dart.” Despite her confusion she relaxes in your arms. You tap the tranquilizer and toss it in Er Yin's direction. She effortlessly snatches it out of the air with her tail, without having moved a muscle otherwise. “See what you can make of that, Sensei.” Kiku-chan stirs, but it is Yuuhi-chan and Inau-san who are up and have weapons out, though neither has drawn arrow nor blade. “Stay down, Kiku-chan, you've been half-drowned, play sick. Your sister's fine.” kiku-chan rolls over with a moan and watches the other direction, facing away from you. Then you draw on the sand with your tail-tip, giving Akari-niji-chan directions and descriptions.

>>39807681
Oh yeah, so it's another problem then. I suppose we could make a barrier to catch the maybe spirit child but at that point we either need to capture or kill it. Let's put that off.

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>>39807740
“Hey! Ko, Fujiko!” A young man and the girl he's handing a beer to look at you, as does the slender and rather small breasted nogitsune-born with black and red eyes that seems to be their friend. “You two and your friend need to tell Chisato and Peta my principle's been shot with a tranq-gun at her beach party! Spread the word that there might be military around!” The humans look alarmed as the see you and your warriors with weapons drawn and several injured people; the nogitsune-born girl hops off the chest and starts running towards the volleyball game, and the other two follow quickly. People are looking at you and your family with some alarm, and a few are gathering up weapons of their own after your loud declaration – mostly knives and batons and the like, but they're not brandishing them yet.

Now come the more critical decisions. You've managed to make it look like you have two people incapacitated and you have one person chasing the enemy. Previously they've made plans to split up the group and make an assault. They could possible be doing the same here, or it could be some loner making an extra few yen on Chi-chan's time. So....further 'weaken' your group and see if you can't draw out someone worth capturing while making a capture of the shooter's group more likely, or stay defensive and keep your group close together, possibly losing an opportunity while ensuring Kiki-hime's absolute safety?

[] Send Inau-san and Yuuhi-chan after them as well, see if you can draw anyone out.
[] Send Inau-chan hunting, and go with.
[] Keep Yuuhi here, send Inau hunting.
[] Keep them both here; prevent further problems from happening.
[] Leave them here, you go out and find trouble.

>>39807787
>[x] Keep Yuuhi here, send Inau hunting.
Balance!

>>39807787
>[] Keep Yuuhi here, send Inau hunting.

>>39807787
>[] Keep Yuuhi here, send Inau hunting.

>>39807787
> [] Keep Yuuhi here, send Inau hunting.
I worry Yuuhi would show less discretion. She has the whole guarding us thing too after all.

>>39807787
>[] Keep Yuuhi here, send Inau hunting.

>>39807787
>[] Keep them both here; prevent further problems from happening.

>>39807787
>[] Keep them both here; prevent further problems from happening.

>>39807787
[] Send Inau-san and Yuuhi-chan after them as well, see if you can draw anyone out.

>>39807787
>[] Send Inau-chan hunting, and go with.

>>39807829

I think not being discrete is the point.

The group must look weak to attract the opponent

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I need to run an emergency errand. i should be back in an hour. I will continue longer than usual today to make up for it. Apologies.

>>39807999
That picture is adorable. It's fine, XS.

>>39807999
Hey, don't worry about it XS. Go do your thing!

>>39807999
no worries XS, take care and don't scare too many people with your demonic eye

>>39807999
Alright.
Your eye looks pretty metal by the way. Authentic Ryukuza cosplay!

>>39807999
This >>39808034 , remember that sunglasses are cruise-control for cool when you have hemorrhages in your eye.

>>39807999
Don't worry about it

>>39808034
>>39808066
>not owning your scary eye
>not creeping out little kids with it
>not establishing reptilian dominance

>>39808106
>>not establishing reptilian dominance

It already happened to Yui.

>>39808154
Clearly XS is simply going out to collect her own Yui.

>>39807999
Don't worry about it, you're doing this for enjoyment, so we're doing well,
Look forward to reading everything when you get back

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I have returned

Let's see what kind of trouble everyone is interested in.

>>39808034
>>39808066
I wear corrective lenses, I can't hide it that way. Be honest, who on /tg/ would want to.

>>39809189
>Be honest, who on /tg/ would want to.
Normalfags who worry about scaring people with their demon eyes.

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[X] Keep Yuuhi here, send Inau hunting.

You have your doubts that Yuuhi-chan would obey an order that would leave you alone to combat the opponents, regardless of who else is actually capable of fighting, but it would be a waste of Inau-chan's talents to keep her here. “Tall man, about five-nine, slender, black swim shorts, he had a single shot air gun, black hair tied in a topknot. Kid, about fourteen, bleached sandy hair. Girl my age, more rounded but not as busty, one piece with floral pattern. They were sixty five feet away and moving towards the parking area at high speed, Inau-chan. Prisoners only, no killing. Tell Yui-niji-chan that too!” The last you have to shout after her as she runs off without so much as disturbing the sand. Yuuhi-chan steps around to stand behind you as you turn away, facing the direction the dart had come from but also keeping an eye in the direction opposite Kiku-chan.

“What is going ~on~ Ryu-chan?” whispers Kiki-hime urgently, her tail twitching in agitation.

“Well, someone shot at you with a syringe loaded with who-knows-what, and I'm trying to make it look like we're especially vulnerable to see if anyone does something extraordinarily stupid, like attacking us when we only have one person standing guard.” You stroke her hair, your worried expression obvious to anyone looking but your voice calm and soothing. Er Yin-sensei busies herself 'checking' on her own lover, keeping herself 'busy' so that she is obviously not paying attention to what is going on around her. “Or, we can hope for a chance meeting with someone that we know isn't Yak or nogitsune-born.”

Yuuhi-chan's tail brushes your arm and you glance sidelong towards her. “You mean like these three, Ryukuza-sama?”

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>>39809791
You glance in the indicated direction and try not to smile. A trio of Japanese men without tattoos who also are not nogitsune-children would be precisely what you are looking for. Since the spirit-children look like ordinary humans 'infiltrating' the party would seem very easy to humans. Since nogitsune-born and Yakuza make up the entirety of the population of this beach (aside form dragonettes and a demi-goddess and a couple of oni, of course) they stand out like Westerners would.

Interestingly, they, like several other Yakuza and nogitsune-born, take up defensive positions around you, thought they're slightly closer than you would prefer anyone to be. “Hai,” you agree sub-vocally, and Yuuhi-chan's ears twitch in response. They don't seem to be in contact with anyone, and they're not wearing any wires....you blink your Water eyes open, and you can see that they're all well trained, more or less well disciplined people. A little bit of corruption is inevitable when hiding out among 'evil people' but they're working now. The thing that concerns you most is that one of them is upset about the disruption of their plans. The other two are simply following his lead.

You suspect strongly these aren't allies of those who took a shot at your wife.

There's a blast of lightning in the distance and the distinct sounds of a fight. Yuuhi-chan doesn't tense but you can see her becoming even more intensely battle ready than before. Er Yin speaks up: “Your sister is on her way back from the shore with Shoko-san, who has just returned from Ryutaku-ji.”

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>>39809814
“I need you to tell me things like that before they happen, or immediately after I regain consciousness, please. It's hard to plan around people not being here or being elsewhere when I don't know about it. Tell her to guard my sister and stay near the water.” It would be suicide for anyone to attack your sister AND Shoko-san near the ocean. On the other hand, that splits your group even further apart. You are beginning to wonder what's taking Peta-chan and Chi-chan so long.

[] Take those three captive.
[] Let them try and insinuate themselves into your family.
[] Take a risk and have Yuuhi-chan “help the others.” (Totally a ruse.)
[] Have Er Yin contact Yui and get a report.
[] Tell Yuuhi-chan you'll be right back and give those three the opportunity to kidnap the princess.

>>39809864
>[] Have Er Yin contact Yui and get a report.

>>39809864
>[] Have Er Yin contact Yui and get a report.

>>39809864
>[] Take those three captive.
Eh

>>39809864
>[] Take those three captive.

>>39809864
[x] Have Er Yin contact Yui and get a report.

>>39809864
>[] Have Er Yin contact Yui and get a report.

>>39809864
>Have Er Yin contact Yui
>Leave the three be for now.
The enemy of my enemy might not be my friend, but they can be good meatshields.

>>39809864
>[X] Have Er Yin contact Yui and get a report.

>>39809864
>[x] Let them try and insinuate themselves into your family.
Risk and reward anons!

>>39809864
>[] Take those three captive.
>[] Have Er Yin contact Yui and get a report.

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[X] Have Er Yin contact Yui and get a report.
[x] Debate debate debate about those three strangers....

You risk a quick glance around, your hand pressing lightly over your blushing wife's breast as you enjoy the act of checking on her heart, but she remains still and 'unconscious' like a good girl. No Peta-chan and no chi-chan yet, but there's definitely movement coming from the direction they were in though the wary crowd. You have about three Yakuza paired with three nogitsune-born nearby, as well as two other Yak, three more foxes, and then the trio of fakes; all of them are standing guard over your family, which is working out better than you'd ever hoped it would.

“Er Yin-sensei, get a report from-” You feel the snap of a barrier go up, but it's some distance away, towards the shore. Shoko-san and Jinyuu-onee-sama undoubtedly protecting themselves more carefully. Another crack of thunder, and you hiss softly to Er Yin. “Get a report from Yui-niji-chan.” You study the area where the battle is taking place, and can see the shimmer of potential power and the effects of magical potential in the area. It's only a few hundred feet away, but that can feel like a lifetime.

“If I do so aniki, she will be unable to use her magic during that time. There is a great deal of power being used there, and I can see something that is most easily described in your language as demon-chi within one of the bodies there. Inau-san, Yui-san, and Akari-san are engaging with them, and they are holding their own.” Your heart sinks. It can't be Taisho; he'd be insane to come here himself. But a minion....he'd have to have taught them the technique to hide their true nature, apparently refined enough to fool even you. “I am concerned that they have not placed a Barrier.”

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>>39810581
Er Yin-sensei pauses as Kiku-chan uses her tail to write along the thicker, steely tail of her master. “I am afraid that we have no one who can challenge a demon or bind one easily among us that is well enough to do so. I could attempt it, but I do not thin you would like that.” Kami, you missed working with professionals! And Er Tin-sensei's Void Eyes are strong enough to see that far, which is good to know; you would rather not risk Yui-niji-chan getting blindsided.

A glance with Water Eyes confirms your worst fear – she's telling the truth, meaning Kiku-chan and Jinyuu-onee-sama's charms can't counter a half-demon's nature like they could with other spirit children. Er Yin-sensei's could, but that would entail her getting close enough to do so, and wounded as she is, you do worry. On the other hand, it would be seven to one at that point. Of course, they're holding off the best fighter in Clan Ryo, a Void oni-child, and a demigod of the hunt on their own right now.

Yuuhi-chan glances at you. “Aniki?” She shifts her sword slightly, indicating the trio, who for all intents and purposes seem to be assisting you at the moment. She is all for taking them out of the fight immediately, but not permanently; she's quite certain she can do so by herself. You tend to agree with that assessment. Their plan hasn't shifted: insinuate, infiltrate, and wait for the opportune moment. Of course they don't realize that two of the duos of nogintsune-Yakuza are flanking them and ready to take them out.

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>>39810613
The nogitsune-born must have realized something was up....or perhaps Peta-chan let them know secretly. For the first time in a long, long time (for you) you feel a surge of hope that this may yet all come out okay.

[] Allow Yuuhi-chan to take them, then go help your kohai.
[] Have Yuuhi-chan watch them only, until they make their move, and go help your Kohai.
[] Time to take the family out to play together – everyone against a demon-child!
[] Have the Yaks and Nogi take out the impostors and take Kiku-chan to the fight.
[] Take Yuuhi-chan to the fight, and have Er Yin put up a Barrier for themselves.

>>39810641
>[] Have Yuuhi-chan watch them only, until they make their move, and go help your Kohai.

>>39810641
>[] Take Yuuhi-chan to the fight, and have Er Yin put up a Barrier for themselves.

>>39810641
>[] Time to take the family out to play together – everyone against a demon-child!

XS, you sly devil.

Now, we just have to play our cards right, and the thread's name will become quite the satisfying prediction

>>39810641
>[] Time to take the family out to play together – everyone against a demon-child!

>>39810728
We're gonna become a beach bum?
Oh maaaaaan...

>>39810641
>[x] Time to take the family out to play together – everyone against a demon-child!'
No party-splitting.

>>39810641

Forgot to add to my vote here>>39810696

>[] Allow Yuuhi-chan to take them while we go help

>>39810641
>[] Allow Yuuhi-chan to take them, then go help your kohai.

>>39810641
>[X] Have the Yaks and Nogi take out the impostors and take Kiku-chan to the fight.

The "take everyone" option will leave Kiki lightly guarded. Probably not the best idea.

>>39810748

Under that. The stage's name.

I didn't forget who we're supposed to meet (though it's meta-gaming).

>>39810849

You misunderstood. Kiki is coming with us if we choose "take everyone"

>>39810877
Why would we bring Kiki? She's not much of a fighter, and the person they're trying to grab. It's a dumb plan.

>>39810954
Because if the guard needs to be in the shit, and the VIP is only safe near the guard, bring the VIP to the shit.

The party's already too scattered,

>>39810954
She CAN fight at range though and more importantly, it will be eight against one. She's trained in kyudo and knows enough about her power to guide her arrows now.

>>39810954

Because she'll be with us and the others, meaning that she'd be the safest we can offer.

If we leave her here, someone could theoretically grab her. If we take her, they'll need to defeat us to do so, and if they're able to defeat us we couldn't stop them from grabbing her anyway.

>>39810851
...I admit that I did forget.

>>39810641
>[] Time to take the family out to play together – everyone against a demon-child!

>>39810641
>[] Time to take the family out to play together – everyone against a demon-child!
I just arrived, so I'll vote for maximum concentration of power

>>39810641
>[] Time to take the family out to play together – everyone against a demon-child!
Bandwagon jumpan

>>39810641
>[] Allow Yuuhi-chan to take them, then go help your kohai.

>>39811006
>>39811008
>>39811018
Bodyguarding 101: You don't drag the VIP into a fight, you get them away.

If Kiki is going to fight at range, what prevents the enemy from pinning us down, then going around and grabbing her? We'll still need to have a guard on her, meaning the party remains split. And in that case, it's better to only take one other person to the fight while the rest stay with Kiki and the Yaks.

>>39811354
This isn't ideal, but it's better than having less people guarding her or having a split party losing a battle.

Besides, it'll be fun!

>>39811354
>If Kiki is going to fight at range, what prevents the enemy from pinning us down, then going around and grabbing her?

The fact that they can't incapacitate all of us at the same time given their number, for starter.

>You don't drag the VIP into a fight, you get them away.

We already sent three of them to fight, anon.

So can we jump into a barrier fight that's already started? Or communicate to someone in there at all?

>>39811763
>So can we jump into a barrier fight that's already started?

Yes.

>Or communicate to someone in there at all?

More difficult, unless we're in the Barrier too

>>39811763
That's the problem, there isn't a barrier. No one's put one up yet except Shoko and Jinyuu and they're nowhere near this fight.

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[x] Have the Yaks and Nogi take out the impostors and take Kiku-chan to the fight.
[X] Allow Yuuhi-chan to take them, then go help your kohai.
[XX] Time to take the family out to play together – everyone against a demon-child!

A third lightning or thunder strike, with no Barrier being put up, and you decide that it's an invitation for you to come play. Only a suicidal idiot would not put up a barrier against three enemies; access to the power of a Barrier would make it a far more even fight for someone that strong. Of course, that would leave the weakened members of your family here....

So you decide to take them with you.

“Maki, Yuko. Do it. Yuuhi-chan, if they can't, you do it. No more playing dead. We're playing a new game.” Kiku-chan is up quickly enough, and Er Yin-sensei rises slowly, a wash of threatening power sliding from her in your Water Eyes, while Kiku-chan is merely relieved that you're going to DO something. You help Kiki-hime to her feet even as the leader of the infiltration team turns around, shock and confusion overwhelming anything else you could see.

Maki and Yuko, the two girl-gangers that you know from your time as Chi-chan's favorite, both attack the two soldiers flanking the commanding officer type. Their nogitsune companions immediately jump into the fray as well, while Yuuhi-chan merely takes a step forward and slams the tip of her sheathed sword into the poor commander's gut so hard he doubles over, struggling for breath.

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>>39811836
Maki and Yuko, the two girl-gangers that you know from your time as Chi-chan's favorite, both attack the two soldiers flanking the commanding officer type. Their nogitsune companions immediately jump into the fray as well, while Yuuhi-chan merely takes a step forward and slams the tip of her sheathed sword into the poor commander's gut so hard he doubles over, struggling for breath.

He falls to his knees as the other two get a thorough working over, and you walk over to him. “Most Japanese consider Yakuza subhuman scum....which makes you three the only ~humans~ on this entire beach.” you gesture to Yuuhi-chan and she hammers him in the back of the head with the butt of her nodachi, and he goes down. More Yakuza come up, carrying zip-ties and duct-tape. “Take these three to Peta-chan and Chi-chan. If they escape I'm going to feed you to my oni.” Humans are harder to deal with – you can't shove them in a Barrier.

They grin and begin tying up the trio, though they kind of have to drag Yuko and her new friend away from the human wreckage of the poor soldier she's beaten half to death. You hope her new companion doesn't make that particular trait worse. Taking a good look at your family; Water Eyes tells you that Kiki-hime is slightly confused, but trusts you utterly. Kiku-chan is ready for a fight now, she's recovered and is feeling, for the first time in a long time, balanced and refreshed and right in her place. Er Yin-sensei, despite her injury, has her Void Eyes open and is feeling confident in her abilities and strength to cope with whatever you have in mind. Yuuhi-chan isn't thinking anything – she's just waiting for you to point her at what needs to be dealt with, so she can deal with it and go back to her nap. Or maybe have some fish. She's not sure about that part.

The cognitive dissonance you get from looking at Yuuhi-chan through Water Eyes is enough to make your head hurt.

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>>39811864
“All right. Kiku-chan, you're guarding the wounded and your sister. Kiki-hime, you take potshots if you are certain you won't hit any of us. Er Yin-sensei, you assist Kiku-chan and Kiki-hime in backup and bodyguard alike. Yuuhi-chan and I are going to directly confront and let the niji-chan and Inau-san recover.” You look at each of them, and you're gratified to see their confidence and love for you, the acceptance and warmth of your family watching you take your rightful place. The only discord is in Kiki-hime....she is, as always, worried for you, and afraid that you're taking on too much.

“Remember – this is my duty. No arguments, only obedience. This is what I was trained to do.”

The chorus of agreement and reluctant acceptance is all you needed to be sure of. You lead them out, Kiki-hime at your side, holding your hand. “Ryu-chan....how did you do that?”

“Huh?” Brilliant comeback, you stupid lizard.

“Catch that dart....can you catch bullets?” There's a kind of wonder in her voice.

“No, that's Kiku-chan.” Kiki-hime's eyes widen and she glances back at her sister. “If it's moving slower than sound through the air or water, I can usually feel it moving long before I can see it. If I were a river dragonette, I wouldn't be quite as good at it, but being an ocean dragonette gives me more control over wind than most Water dragonettes have.” You glance towards the fight, and you can see there's a wide area around the battle, and that a lot of money is being passed around. “Oh, there they are. I should have known.”

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>>39811888
You hear the muttered 'baka dragon' from Kiku-chan, and the soft liquid laughter of Er yin-sensei at the grumbling complaint. Yuuhi-chan walks on her tip toes to ineffectively try and peer over the ring of Yakuza and nogitsune-born as you walk towards Chi-chan, who had Peta-chan on her shoulders and is watching the betting with an expression of bliss. Reiha-san is also there, and is apparently holding the betting money, her glasses pushed up on her nose.

[] See if the dastardly duo can tell you anything.
[] Check the odds, these should be some bizarre bets considering two thirds of the people here aren't seeing the real fight.
[] See if you can move in and see what''s going on yourself without being seen.
[] Ask if they had some nice bonding time, because you really had trouble getting in touch and all....
[] Just make your way in. No reason to make the demon-child wait.

>>39811919
>[] Just make your way in. No reason to make the demon-child wait.

>>39811919
>[] Ask if they had some nice bonding time, because you really had trouble getting in touch and all....
>[] See if the dastardly duo can tell you anything.

>>39811919
>[] See if the dastardly duo can tell you anything.
>[] Check the odds, these should be some bizarre bets considering two thirds of the people here aren't seeing the real fight.
Best to get some info on what's going on. Perhaps get an idea on how good the 'gut instinct' of Chi-chan's subordinates are...

>>39811919
[x] Ask if they had some nice bonding time, because you really had trouble getting in touch and all....
[x] See if the dastardly duo can tell you anything.

>>39811919
>[] See if you can move in and see what''s going on yourself without being seen.
>[] Ask if they had some nice bonding time, because you really had trouble getting in touch and all....

>>39811919
>[] Ask if they had some nice bonding time, because you really had trouble getting in touch and all....

>>39811919
>"Sorry but I'm going to have to go skew your bets odds. "
>[] Just make your way in. No reason to make the demon-child wait.

>>39811919
>[] See if you can move in and see what''s going on yourself without being seen.
>[] Ask if they had some nice bonding time, because you really had trouble getting in touch and all....

>Hello. My name is Ryu Ryukusa. You targetted my principle. Prepare... wait, that's a movie

>>39811919
>[] See if the dastardly duo can tell you anything.
>[] Just make your way in. No reason to make the demon-child wait.

>>39811919
>[] See if the dastardly duo can tell you anything.
>[] Check the odds, these should be some bizarre bets considering two thirds of the people here aren't seeing the real fight.

and then thats a pretty good one from >>39812215
>Hello. My name is Ryu Ryukusa. You targeted my principle. Prepare... wait, that's a movie

>>39811919
>] Check the odds, these should be some bizarre bets considering two thirds of the people here aren't seeing the real fight.
>[] Ask if they had some nice bonding time
No need for passive aggression, just ask em what's up

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[X] See if the dastardly duo can tell you anything.
[X] Check the odds, these should be some bizarre bets considering two thirds of the people here aren't seeing the real fight.
[X] Ask if they had some nice bonding time, because you really had trouble getting in touch and all....

“Hey you two. I hope you got to know each other really well, because I've had a heck of a time getting in touch with you two, you know?” Chisato blushes and laughs weakly, while Peta-chan lifts one hand and raises only her littlest finger, giving you a solemn wink – the gesture for 'girlfriend' or 'mistress', or simply 'my woman'. At least you think it's a wink, because you can't see her other eye behind her bangs, like, ever. Reiha is coughing and looking very intently at the notebooks and shuffling the betting money a lot as well.

“Don't be silly, Aoi-chan, I wouldn't do something like that!” You tilt your head as Kiki-hime blushes even more red than Chisato-chan does, especially since Peta now has both her arms crossed in an X.

“Uh huh. I'll have Akari-niji-chan make red bean jelly for you later.” Chi-chan laughs again while Peta gives you a thumbs up. “Anyways, what is going on here? Why are they fighting in public?”

“Her Imperial Highness had our people block off any escape routes the demon-boy tried to make out, but no one knows why they haven't put up a Barrier.” Reiha mumbles a little as you position yourself where you can see glimpses of the fight without being seen. Inau-san has her wakizashi out....no, it's not a wakizashi. It's a heavier, wider short sword, bit it is a katana – an ogata, an Ainu katana. “So far they've been careful, but I'm guessing the humans are freaking out a little, or think it's a show. But it's looking bad for your side.”

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>>39812738
The tension in your family immediately rises. Not yours, but Kiku-chan, Yuuhi-chan, and Kiki-hime are definitely worried. Er Yin-sensei looks serious, but isn't exactly surprised. “Do tell. Any injuries? What are the odds?”

“The little one with the drum sticks got her head smacked,” pipes up Chi-chan. “But your schoolgirl buddy keeps on breaking up any really serious stuff before the hot kei-san and the cute one get beaten up too bad. That kid's got some serious bad moves, Aoi-chan.” You catch a glimpse of Yui-niji-chan leaping; the left side of her face is definitely bloodies, but her eyes are good and she's looking pissed rather than afraid or upset. The 'kei-san' would undoubtedly be Inau, who looks a little winded, and very concerned, but is holding up well. “You get all the hottest girls.”

“Careful, Peta-chan is right here you know.” Chi-chan gives Peta a gomen-gomen, while Peta looks up to the sky with a 'why me' gesture. “Well, I'm about to skew all your bets, Chi-chan, so you'd better change your money around.” You see a flash of green-gold clothing and silver, and black hair wild and unkempt, but only a fleeting glimpse, not even enough for your Water Eyes to see with.

Reiha checks the booklet over. “It's right now three-to-one, and against your girls winning, sorry. But be careful, Ryukusa-sama, that Chinese boy is wicked,” warns Reiha-san in a worried tone of voice.

[] Wait, what? Go over that again, slowly.
[] Kamidamnit, you'd better get in there now.
[] ….exactly what has he done so far. EXACTLY.
[] What's he wearing?
[] Take a look for yourself, even if you get seen.

>>39812770
> [] ….exactly what has he done so far. EXACTLY.
Knowledge is half the battle. The other half is elemental fury.

>>39812770
>[] ….exactly what has he done so far. EXACTLY.
>[] Kamidamnit, you'd better get in there now.

>>39812770
[x] Wait, what? Go over that again, slowly.
[x] Kamidamnit, you'd better get in there now.

>>39812770
>[] ….exactly what has he done so far. EXACTLY.
>[] What's he wearing?

Yeah. Boy. Of course

>>39812770
>[] Take a look for yourself, even if you get seen.

>>39812770
>[] Kamidamnit, you'd better get in there now.
We'll have plenty of time to find out what that 'Chinese boy' is during his autopsy.

>>39812770
>[] ….exactly what has he done so far. EXACTLY.
>[] Take a look for yourself, even if you get seen.

>>39812770
>[X] Wait, what? Go over that again, slowly.
>[X] ….exactly what has he done so far. EXACTLY.

Oh great, it's the Buddhists.

>>39812770
>[] ….exactly what has he done so far. EXACTLY.
>[] Kamidamnit, you'd better get in there now.
>>39812886
Could be a reverse trap

>>39812770
>[] ….exactly what has he done so far. EXACTLY.

>>39812770
[] Kamidamnit, you'd better get in there now.
[] ….exactly what has he done so far. EXACTLY.

>>39812964

Could be the Kaga, too. Or the demon kid could just be chinese.

In any case, an Ainu sword, which is already pretty peculiar on its own, isn't common for Chinese people. And it's even more exceptional when you consider the Chinese tradition (to which the spirits are bound) that Japan is inferior, explaining why Japanese dragons have less fingers than the Chinese ones.

>>39813403
Inau is the one using an Ainu sword. You know, because Ainu.

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[X] Kamidamnit, you'd better get in there now.
[X] ….exactly what has he done so far. EXACTLY.
[X] What's he wearing?

“Have you been watching most of the fight?” You struggle to keep your voice calm, because scaring Kiki-hime would be bad. Her hand tightens around yours though, and you slide your tail to tangle with hers. When Chi-chan nods curiously, looking at you with a bemused smile, you ask her carefully, “Could you tell me the sorts of things he did? Well, no, I would like to know exactly what he's done so far.”

Before Chisato can speak up Reiha speaks in a dull, almost emotionless voice. “He tore off his human skin and was wearing cloth-of-gold under it, and has silver hands with scales and claws. His eyes are white and black, and some of his clothing is black. There's an amulet along his belt of silver and he has gold embroidery on his robes of a weird bird. He keeps staring at whomever is closest before he attacks, and he uses some weird karate style that involves wide arm sweep and clawing at people.” Reiha shudders and blinks. “Well, I haven't been watching much of....um, why are you all looking at me like that?”

Er Yin-sensei places her hand lightly on your shoulder. “The bird is a ~fenghuang~, not what you call a phoenix here, but a creature associated with one of the Eight Immortals. But the colors are wrong for it to be one of the Eight Immortals themselves, aniki. If it is a representation of that immortal as a demon, then you should know that the Immortal He Xianghe is a guardian of the family and brings luck to marriages.”

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>>39813770
You mutter a string of invective so blasphemous that everyone within ten feet looks at you. A demon version of a marriage and family blessing would be trouble all right, and the last thing you need. “Thanks your Imperial Majesty.”

A tap on your shoulder gets your attention. “Oh, and he helped the tall guy and the woman try and get away, but we caught them at the parking lot, so they're all tied up in a nice package for you to talk to later, Aoi-chan,” claims Chi-chan with a wicked smile. “And some of Peta's friends put some magic spells on them to keep them quiet and happy, so they'll be all ready when you are.” Well, that's good news at least.

[] Change of plans: Er Yin, you and the princess here, Peta-chan and Chi-chan help, Kiku and Yuuhi with me to tag Inau out.
[] Change of plans: Kiku, Yuuhi, Er Yin, protect the princess.
[] Right, all of you with me, Yuuhi and Er Yin guard Kiki but all stay close.
[] It's personal – I'm calling everyone back, me alone in there.
[] Kiku, me, Yui and Akari, and that's it. Everyone else is going on Kiki duty.

>>39813794
>[] Right, all of you with me, Yuuhi and Er Yin guard Kiki but all stay close.

>>39813794
[x] Right, all of you with me, Yuuhi and Er Yin guard Kiki but all stay close.

>>39813794
> [] Kiku, me, Yui and Akari, and that's it. Everyone else is going on Kiki duty.

>>39813794
>[X] Change of plans: Er Yin, you and the princess here, Peta-chan and Chi-chan help, Kiku and Yuuhi with me to tag Inau out.

>>39813794
>[] Change of plans: Kiku, Yuuhi, Er Yin, protect the princess.
Fairly balanced and strong group.

>>39813794
>[] Kiku, me, Yui and Akari, and that's it. Everyone else is going on Kiki duty.

I get the sense no one pregnant should get close to that thing.

I'm not entirely sure what to do here. If it's a demonic perversion of the blessing of marriage and family, would attacking it as a family weaken or empower it? I guess I'll just go with my gut instinct and vote >>39813794
>[] Right, all of you with me, Yuuhi and Er Yin guard Kiki but all stay close.

>>39814068
Well, anything that can harm Akari's baby would have to be able to outright kill Akari first according to Er Yin so she's safe.

>>39814110
Yeah, it's tough. Maybe Er Yin would know...but then she'd probably have volunteered the info already, so.

>>39813794
>[] Right, all of you with me, Yuuhi and Er Yin guard Kiki but all stay close.

>>39814110
I was pondering this as well and my first instinct is also sticking together

>>39814124
Physically. I'm worried about demonic pregnancy curses or abortions.

>>39814068
I think Er Yin would have told us if that were a danger. She's supposed to be an expert on these things and I don't think XS would hold something that important back.

>>39814068
You say that, but so far the pregnant one has been the most effective against it.

>>39814180
I vote that we ask her about threats along those lines or what in particular it might be able to do and sway the results based on that info.

>>39814168
Didn't Amaterasu bless our children too? That has to count for something.

Besides, it's a demon of marriage and family, not pregnancy or childbirth. They are specific like that.

>>39814213
Might as well really.

>>39813794
>[] Right, all of you with me, Yuuhi and Er Yin guard Kiki but all stay close.

Let's see how a family demon fare against an united family

>>39814180
Yeah, I think if we were supposed to know, XS would have had her tell us. I don't want the answer handed to me freely and it being an inversion of familial blessings is obviously important, I just wasn't sure how to interpret that data

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[X] Right, all of you with me, Yuuhi and Er Yin guard Kiki but all stay close.

Well, if it is inimical to family and marriage, then you're probably the last person in the universe that he should have attacked. Rubbing the red jade that encircles your finger you make your decision. “Fine, then we'll fight it together. Er yin-sensei, Yuuhi-chan, you hang back with Kiki-hime....but you're all coming with me anyways. Kiku-chan, see if you can give Inau-san some relief, she's not much of a warrior. Yuuhi-chan, I may have to take Yui-chan's place long enough for her to get bandaged so be ready for that.” You clench your fists, the talons making tiny ringing scrapes as they slide along the gem-like flesh just below your fingers.

With that you step into the ring, and get a good look at what's going on.

The main portion of the 'ring is made up of duos, nogitsune-child plus one of the Yakuza, in a variety of pairings. You do notice there are more female nogitsune-born, and more male Yakuza, but the combinations are still unpredictable despite that. Their presence seems to ~press~ upon you as you enter the wide ring, a feeling that to break the circle would be unpleasant. Yui-niji-chan is on one knee, her taiko-sticks held in one hand as she rests, breathing hard. Her injuries are minor, but there are a lot of them and she's clearly tired; this bastard is putting up a hell of a fight. Inau-san is slowly circling to regroup with Yui, and she's been hit several times, very hard. There's no blood on her wide bladed short sword, and there a little blood on her pale lips from coughing. Akari-niji-chan is uninjured of course, and she's currently at the forefront, holding still in a defensive stance. Despite her lack of injury, she's definitely unnerved, and the worry for the others radiates from her.

But the demon makes all that secondary.

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>>39814822
The first thing you do is turn around and shot at Chisato.

“HEY! GET YOUR EYES CHECKED, CHI-CHAN, BECAUSE THAT'S NOT A BOY!” Your blatant shout result in a series of catcalls, laughter, hollering, and a lot of little fingers being raised. It takes one sniff, and you get to add one more point of interest for her. “AND SHE'S A VIRGIN TOO! YOU'RE SLIPPING!”

The now red-faced girl of about fourteen or fifteen is indeed the young 'boy' you saw escaping with the shooter and the woman, but her hair is not it's natural black color, though just as wild and long. The green-gold silk coat is definitely Chinese, and the symbols Peta told you about through Reiha are there – a phoenix-like creature, but definite;y stranger, having a tortoise shell, a snake-scaled neck, and draconian claws instead of bird's feet, as well as stars for eyes. The silver claws and arms make sense now too – silver studded gauntlets, with heavy studs. Even more telling is the position she's holding her hands in – not quite dragon-claws, but her first and middle fingers extended further. Her silver eyes are backed by grey scleras, and you meet them fearlessly with your own blood filled ones surrounding sapphire dragon's eyes.

You wave your hand back and forth in front of your face dismissively. “That won't work on me. Phoenix Fist is a pretty scary style, but I'm not just anyone.” Akari's eyes widen and then she glares, her carnelian eyes going a shade brighter, and her horns and tail-spurs gleaming as her embarrassment turns to anger. Your Water Eyes can barely get a read through the ferocity of the Chu Ka Style she's using, but you get enough. Yes, she's here for you, and is determined to break your family by showing them they cannot withstand the might of the Eight Demons From Hell.

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>>39814843
Kiki-hime lays a hand on your shoulder and you stand up more straight as the others of your family slowly regroup near you. Crossing your arms you run your claw along the ring that binds your wife, your kohai, your priestess and your seer to you and to each other. Even your new family members straighten, reassured, hearing that bright sining sound of ruby caressing Jade. And you know, just this once, you think the line is absolutely right.

“Hello. My name is Ryuu Ryukusa. You hurt my family. Prepare to die.”

>To Be Continued....

>>39814874
Thanks for running XS!

Thank you for reading and playing, and I appreciate the patience you show me.

>>39814168
>>39814135
>>39814068
Er Yin would have immediately warned you eve even the slightest possibility was present that the demon could endanger the unborn children.

>>39814874
Oh my, careful with the movie-quotes Ryu-chan.
Good times as always!

She didn't plop down a Barrier because she's technically not a spirit child, right?

Also, the two humans that were with her seem to be important to her. We should use that as leverage.
If there's enough of her to interrogate after we're done, that is. Attacking Kiki? Seriously?

>>39815026
thanks for writing

>>39814843
>HEY! GET YOUR EYES CHECKED, CHI-CHAN, BECAUSE THAT'S NOT A BOY!
Called it

>>39815162
Er Yin's information was mostly correct. Note that she avoided a gender reference.

>>39814874
>the ring that binds your wife, your kohai, your priestess and your seer to you and to each other
>no herald
Poor Yui, always so left out.

>>39815238
Yui counts as kohai to Ryukusa. She hired her on specifically to work with Akari. There is no pluralization in Japanese.

>>39815026

Thanks for running!

Can Ruykusa see if anything the opponent is wearing is an artifact or has a Kami?

>>39815115

Come on, we were ready to forgive (and have forgiven) worse people.

>>39815296
Nothing obvious at this point, though the weapons are a little unusual. the belt may be something of note also, but no, there are no obvious kami or object of power. Mind you, Yui and er Yin would see such objects more readily than Rukusa does. The culture difference may be a problem.

>>39815382

Ryukusa need tutoring in Chinese spirit world.

Sexy tutoring.

>>39815448
Er Yin will be happy to help, I'm sure.

>>39815578
Then I guess the question would be, does she have a sexy teacher outfit?

>>39815448
Definitely sexy tutoring from Er Yin. Including teacher and student cosplay!
>>39815263
XS, how will Ryukusa's abilities effect this little Demon-chick?

>>39815263
>Yui counts as kohai to Ryukusa.
Well ain't that something sweet